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Center for Advanced Weight Loss

BMI: Does it Matter?

Body mass index (BMI) measures body fat in relation to height and weight. A high BMI could indicate an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and other medical conditions. It’s also a key consideration doctors use to determine a patient’s eligibility for weight loss or bariatric surgery.

BMI categories:

BMI

Status

< 18.5

Underweight

18.5 - 24.9

Normal weight

25 - 29.9

Overweight

30 - 39.9

Obese

40 >

Morbidly obese

Height(in):

Weight (lb):

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery uses a combination of restriction and malabsorption. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. Having the smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patient’s body absorbs fewer calories.